Filing a Trademark: Standard Characters vs Stylized/Logo
When filing a trademark, the USPTO gives you two options: Standard Characters or Specialized Form (Stylized and/or Design). Let's look at each one in detail and that should help you decide the best way to file for your mark.As with any discussion about filing for a trademark, it is always assumed that you've done your due diligence and had comprehensive research conducted. That being said…
Standard Characters
This option is selected to register "word(s), letter(s), number(s), or any combination thereof, with no design element and when you are not claiming any particular font, style, size, or color, and absent any stylization or design element." In essence the USPTO is talking about plain text.
To qualify for this claim, the mark entered must fit within the standard character set. This includes letters and numbers but also some symbols, such as the ampersand (&), the dollar sign ($), the asterisk (*), etc.
To see the entire standard character set click here.
Special Form (Stylized and/or Design)
This option is selected to register marks that are "comprised of stylized word(s), letter(s), and or number(s), and/or a design element." For example, if your business name is shown in a certain font and that font is an important element to your overall brand, it might be a good idea to file it as such. This is also the selection you'll make if filing a logo/design. A logo can be filed on its own or with your name. If you're not sure if you should file your logo and name together or separate, read here.
Can you File for Both?
Technically, yes though not at the same time. Two separate applications (meaning double the fees) would have to be filed if you wanted to choose the standard characters and the special form.
Why Would I File for Both?
Most small business owners would not but as with anything in the trademark world it is going to depend on your overall plans for the brand. Let's say you have a name and a logo – easy enough, you use the special form. But let's assume that your name is going to be shown without the logo in a variety of fonts. Perhaps you have several product lines or your product line is geared towards different types of consumers and you have different font styles for each. Then it may be a good idea to also file the name as standard characters so as not to claim any one distinctive look to the mark but rather protect the name overall.
If you're not sure about how you should file, feel free to email me directly at Shannon@tmexpress.com.
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7 comments:
If we file only for a standard word mark, and it is approved, can we then use the ® symbol on a logo that comprises that word? The logo would be a stylized version of the word mark in a particular color.
Thanks!
Hi elbee!
I believe I just emailed you & that reply was slightly different as I thought you were referring to an actual image separate from the name. In that case, my email to you is correct.
In this instance, since your filing a standard word mark you're essentially telling the USPTO that you're not claiming any particular font, color, etc. Because of that you're free to use any stylized version of the words you wish (though there are undoubtedly exceptions, e.g. I recommend NOT using Disney's font) and therefore can use the ® symbol.
Have you had comprehensive research conducted? You’ll want to be sure this is done prior to filing. After all, there’s no point in filing a name and/or logo that may already be taken. The USPTO takes into consideration similarities in Sound, Appearance, or Meaning. Let me know if you have any questions about that or any other trademark issue.
Very simple and creative logo deign :)
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trademark protection USA
Hi,
Thanks for your post.
I have a design, I need register it for my brand. I'm not send it to USPTO office yet, but when I check TM in uspto.gov:
-------------------------------------
Word Mark IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT WE DON'T CARE
Goods and Services IC 025. US 022 039. G & S: Clothing, namely, shirts, shorts
Standard Characters Claimed
Mark Drawing Code (4) STANDARD CHARACTER MARK
Serial Number 87176092
Filing Date September 19, 2016
Current Basis 1B
Original Filing Basis 1B
Published for Opposition January 31, 2017
Owner (APPLICANT) Glen Ackerman INDIVIDUAL UNITED STATES 17 Cervantes Newport Beach CALIFORNIA 92660
Attorney of Record Douglas Q. Hahn,
Type of Mark TRADEMARK
Register PRINCIPAL
Live/Dead Indicator LIVE
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So can I register for "IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT" for my design with "shirts" service?
I really enjoyed your blog Thanks for sharing such an informative post.
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